Garden waste service returning to normal collections as from this week

CHARNWOOD Borough Council was returning its garden waste service to its normal fortnightly collections as from Monday this week.

The service has been operating in a limited capacity since the end of April following a period of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the council and its waste partner Serco say staffing levels will now allow the fortnightly collections to resume.

Customers will leave their bins out on their normal garden waste collection day and not a Monday, as they have been asked to do over the past few weeks.

The schedule is available on the council website.

Coun Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for major contracts said: “I’m pleased that we are now able to return to fortnightly collections for the garden waste service.

“We were forced to suspend the service at the beginning of the pandemic due to staff shortages but we’re now in a position where it is possible to go back to the regular collections.

“The current pandemic is putting additional pressure on resources and the waste collection services which includes garden waste. We are working closely with Serco to monitor service closely in case we experience any further staff shortages.

“I would like to thank all of our garden waste service customers for their understanding and patience during the pandemic.

“Our refuse collectors have collected thousands of bins throughout these difficult times and our residents have continued to show support and appreciation to the crews.”

From June 13, customers will also be able to check their collection days via the council website. Just visit, www.my.charnwood.gov.uk

The service which has over 30,000 customers, was suspended in March due to staff shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The council says that the decision meant resources could be diverted into the recycling and refuse collections which are more critical functions.

• Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus